Okay, let’s talk about this game, “Streets of Rage.” Man, I gotta tell you, it really brings back some memories. It was back in, like, 1991 when this bad boy first hit the scene, specifically for the Sega Genesis. I remember it like it was yesterday. I got my hands on it and started playing right away.
First off, I picked my character. You get to choose from three ex-cops, and I went with the one that looked the coolest to me at that time. Each character has their own strengths, but it’s not like it made a huge difference.
Then I jumped into the game. I started walking to the right, punching and kicking every bad guy that came my way. The controls were simple enough: jump, attack, and a special move that clears the screen but costs you some health. I used the special move only when I was really in a bind.
The gameplay, oh man, it was so satisfying. Punching, kicking, throwing enemies around—it’s that classic beat ’em up action. I learned the enemy patterns pretty quickly. Some of them were easy, others not so much. The bosses, though, they were tough. You really had to figure out their moves to beat them. Like, there’s this one big dude with a jetpack, and I died a bunch of times before I got the hang of his attacks.
I also found all these little details in the game. You can smash phone booths and trash cans to find food or weapons. Sometimes, when you call for backup, a police car shows up and fires a rocket. I remember the first time I saw that, I was like, “Whoa!”
But let me tell you, playing it now in 2024, it’s definitely a bit dated. I mean, it’s fun and all, but it’s super basic. The graphics are what you’d expect from an old 16-bit game, but the music is still awesome. I still caught myself nodding along to the soundtrack while playing.
After beating the game, which took me a few tries, I felt that old sense of accomplishment. But honestly, I think “Streets of Rage 2” is way better. This first one feels like a test run for the sequel. It’s cool to see where it all started, but the second game improved on everything.
Still, I had a blast revisiting “Streets of Rage.” It’s a classic for a reason, I guess. If you’re into retro games, you should totally check it out. Just don’t expect it to blow your mind or anything.
- Played as one of the three ex-cop characters.
- Mastered the simple controls and used special moves sparingly.
- Learned enemy patterns to defeat tough bosses.
- Discovered hidden items and enjoyed the police backup animation.
- Acknowledged the game’s dated feel but appreciated its nostalgic value.
- Compared it to “Streets of Rage 2,” finding the sequel superior.
- Recommended it for retro game fans with tempered expectations.
Anyway, that’s my experience with “Streets of Rage.” It was a fun trip down memory lane, even if the game is a bit rough around the edges nowadays. Next up, I’m thinking of diving back into “Streets of Rage 4.” I heard that one’s pretty good too!
Closing Thoughts
If you ever get the chance, give these old-school beat ’em ups a try. They’re a different breed from what we’re used to today, but there’s a certain charm to them. Just be prepared for a challenge, and remember to have fun with it!
